We are coming up on Thanksgiving as we prepare to go to press for December’s T &T, and the Christmas season is just around the corner. This is a great time to refocus our attention on those in need and realize how lucky we are to live where we can fly almost anywhere, anytime, without paying exorbitant taxes and fees, using the safest aviation system in the world. We don’t have to worry about war in or around our borders here in the U.S., and most of us reading or writing for this publication own or fly high-performance, high-technology twin and turbine aircraft that most only dream of.
In this issue, T&T writer Rich Pickett helps us celebrate Angel Flight West’s 100,000th mission, helping and assisting those in need for over 40 years. Rich highlights the plight of young Luis Peña, who suffered from liver cancer as a child. It’s a feel-good story about how aviation has changed a young person’s life and has given Luis a reason to pursue goals far beyond what he originally thought possible.
Next, we hear from a new T &T writer about his days flying the night shift in Piper’s speed demon, the Aerostar. Pete Ruskay is a life-long aviator with flight running in his family’s blood. Let’s hope he has lots more to tell us over the next year.
Once again, Rich Pickett joins us to discuss the updates Pilatus is bringing to its PC-24. The super-versatile jet is becoming even more capable if that’s possible. Later, Rich discusses Garmin’s Autoland and Autothrottle technologies.
Rich’s son, Tigre, gives an informative view of how Vaunt is bringing empty-leg availability to potential private aviation flyers.
Owner’s Corner highlights Jeff Martin’s journey to TBM ownership and its benefits.
In On Final, David Miller tells us how to reduce our risks on landing.
Please have a wonderful holiday season, and as we prepare for the new year, take account of all the good stuff we have in our lives and try to divert any negative energies toward helping others.
All the best.
